Vehicle control system and method of controlling such

ABSTRACT

Vehicle control system ( 10 ), capable of controlling a number of controllable motor vehicle subsystems ( 30 - 80 ) according to at least two preset vehicle operating modes. The control system comprises a central control unit ( 20 ) for controlling the motor vehicle subsystems ( 30 - 80 ), and a driver interface ( 90 ) with an input arrangement ( 92 ) and an output arrangement ( 94 ) for selecting operating mode. Furthermore, the control system comprises at least one sensor ( 100 - 130 ) for registering current operating conditions, and the central control unit ( 20 ) is arranged to limit access to at least one of the preset operating modes in response to an output value from at least one sensor ( 100 - 130 ).

The present invention relates to a vehicle control system and method ofcontrolling such, and in particular to a new vehicle control systemcapable of controlling a number of controllable motor vehicle subsystems(30-80) according to a number of preset vehicle operating modes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, improvements in electrical and electronic componentshave increased their reliability and acceptance in the hostile motorvehicle environment. The electronic component is often a microprocessor,which introduces the versatility of program control into operatingsubsystems of a motor vehicle.

One operating subsystem, which has been substantially taken over byelectronic or computer control is the engine operating or controlsubsystem. Computer control of internal combustion engines has beeneffectively mandated by the precision required to meet fuel efficiencyand environmental protection requirements and the continuing demand forsuperior vehicle performance. Today, many vehicles can be bought inseveral models with characteristics that differ from each other, eventhough they are based on substantially the same hardware. The onlydifference lies in software related settings for engine characteristicsand the like, and it is not unusual that the same engine hardware isused for models having an engine power that varies within a range of upto 30 kW or more. However, high power outtake is from an engine oftenresults in increased wear of the engine components, such that thepotential use of certain high performance vehicles sometimes has to belimited.

Other examples of motor vehicle operating subsystems, which have beenenhanced by the improved control possible by using electronic andelectrical control systems include anti-lock brakes, active and/oradjustable suspension subsystems, power assisted steering, tractioncontrol subsystems, entertainment subsystems, and comfort/conveniencesubsystems.

While operation of the noted, as well as other vehicle operatingsubsystems has been improved by the conversion to electrical andelectronic control, each known operating subsystem has been developed asa substantially autonomous, stand-alone entity. Operatingcharacteristics of such autonomous subsystems often can be adjustedduring production of a motor vehicle and, to a much more limited extent,after production by a vehicle dealer or customer. Unfortunately,by-in-large the operating characteristics of such autonomous subsystemsare fixed at production and can only be changed by replacement orretrofitting of a new autonomous subsystem.

Examples of vehicle operating subsystems which can be adjusted afterproduction include: some suspension subsystems which can be adjusted,for example among hard, normal and soft settings by the vehicleoperator; engine control subsystems which can be adjusted betweeneconomy and power settings; traction control subsystems which can beadjusted between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and,comfort/convenience subsystems which can be set to preposition a seat,steering wheel and the like for one or more operators.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,856, Hitachi Ltd, discloses the use of a systemmanager for controlling all such subsystems in a vehicle according topersonalized settings. The system rely upon that each driver of thevehicle has an identification card, which is read and identified by thesystem manager. To personalize the vehicle each driver has to makehis/her own choice for each subsystem. The system also gives the driverthe possibility to select the appearance of the dashboard, by use of adisplay type dashboard.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,107, Ford Motor Company, discloses the use of avehicle controller for controlling the subsystems in a vehicle accordingto preset operating modes. Parameters for operation of a number ofvehicle operating subsystems are stored in the vehicle controller andselected to control and configure the operating subsystems. Control andconfiguration can be based on individually recognized operators of thevehicle, or an operating mode can be selected for the vehicle. Forexample, sport, cruise, luxury, off-road or other performance modes canbe set up and selected. If a vehicle is to be operated by an authorizedperson who is not a recognized operator or is not authorized to select amode of operation, default operating characteristic parameters arestored and selected. If the authorized person is to be restricted in thepossible operation of the vehicle, a further set of limited operatingcharacteristic parameters are stored and selected, preferably by entryof control signals corresponding to a security code. For example, if avalet is parking the vehicle, the limited operating parameters areselected. For security purposes, the limited operating parameters can beinvoked after a defined period of time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,977, Prince Corp, discloses a personalization systemfor vehicles that uses a CD player and a keyless entry transmitter. TheCD player outputs audible prompting signals including accessoryoperation choices. The driver selects accessory operation by pressingthe “LOCK” or “UNLOCK” switch on the keyless entry key fob following anassociated audio prompting signal. A controller coupled to the CD playerreceives a selection signal from the keyless entry key fob andassociates the receipt of the selection signal with an indexcorresponding to the audio prompting signal last output by the CDplayer. The controller controls accessory operation according to theaccessory options selected responsive to the audible prompting signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,374, Mazda Motor Corporation, discloses apersonalization system for vehicles, wherein the settings of the vehiclesubsystems are set by, the sales agent, to meet preference of driver, adriver's taste, driving condition, driving circumstances and the like

U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,122, Sun Microsystems Inc, discloses a dashboard fora vehicle, comprising a monitor, which displays graphical imagesdepicting dashboard instruments. The images displayed to the driver aredetermined by the virtual dashboard application, and not by the monitoritself. The displayed images are user-selectable so that they can bevaried to suit the preferences of different drivers. The driver mayalternately select different groups of images to view on the monitorusing touch screens or speech commands.

EP1034470 B1, BMW, discloses user interface for a feature/accessorycontrol system of a vehicle, which system comprises a device forcontrolling a display screen with an actuating element which can berotated about a longitudinal axis and moved in the direction of thelongitudinal axis, enabling a point of a menu structure consisting ofmenu, partial menus, functions and/or function values to be selected,and which can be represented as an optically highlighted field in thedisplay screen. The actuating element has an initial position and candescribe with relation thereto an additional movement with twoadditional degrees of freedom. The additional movement of the actuatingelement enables a field arranged in a marginal region (2) of the displayscreen and associated with a point of the menu structure to be selected.The rotary/longitudinal movement of the actuating element enables asubordinate field of the menu structure associated with the fieldarranged in the marginal region of the display screen to be selected inthe central region (3) of the display screen enclosed by the marginalregion.

Throughout this application the term vehicle is intended to include allpossible vehicles on which the invention may be applied, and especiallyall types of automobiles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a new vehicle control systemand method of controlling such, which system and method overcomes one ormore drawbacks of the prior art. This is achieved by the system asdefined in claim 1, and by the method as defined in claim 21.

One advantage with such a vehicle control system with limited operatingmodes is that the vehicle characteristics for such modes can be set tomore extreme levels without the risk of damage to the vehicle, due tonon-suitable use of the vehicle.

Another advantage is that non-safe use of the vehicle due to over-loador high speed in non-suitable modes is prevented, without limiting useof the vehicle for carrying heavy loads or for high speed driving undersuitable conditions in appropriate modes. One and the same vehicle cantherefore be mode-transformed such that optimum characteristics are setaccording to the current driving circumstances, whereby maximumversatility and safety is achieved.

Another advantage is that the vehicle control system automaticallyadapts the performance of the vehicle to a suitable operating mode.

Embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in detail below with reference to thedrawings, in which

FIG. 1 schematically shows one embodiment of a vehicle control systemaccording to the present invention in a vehicle.

FIG. 2 a schematically shows the settings of a vehicle in sport mode.

FIG. 2 b schematically shows the settings of a vehicle in off-road mode.

FIG. 2 c schematically shows the settings of a vehicle in heavy loadmode.

FIG. 3 a is a schematic view of a dashboard-image according to oneembodiment of the invention

FIG. 3 b shows a schematic example of a leisure mode adapteddashboard-image.

FIG. 3 c shows a schematic example of a sport mode adapteddashboard-image.

FIG. 3 d shows a schematic example of an off-road mode adapteddashboard-image.

FIG. 3 e shows a schematic example of a parking mode adapteddashboard-image.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the menu options in top menu state of thesport mode.

FIG. 5 schematically shows an input arrangement according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a menu selection process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One basic feature of the present invention is to further develop theideas from U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,107, relating to configuration of avehicle according to a number of preset operating modes. There are twomain reasons why selectable configuration of a vehicle by presetoperating modes is preferred. Firstly, too many individual configurationpossibilities are frustrating and too complicated for the majority ofthe drivers of such vehicles. Secondly, preset operating modes leavesthe control of the vehicle performance and characteristics to themanufacturer, whereby a certain security level, road performance,manoeuvrability and the like can be guaranteed. Throughout thisapplication, the term operating mode is defined in that any twooperating modes are distinguished from each other, in that the modespecific settings differ for at least two separate vehicle subsystems.

FIG. 1 schematically shows one embodiment of a vehicle control system 10according to the present invention, comprising a central control unit20, a number of controllable subsystems 30-80 represented by a chassiscontrol system 30, an engine control system 40, a power train controlsystem 50, a steering control system 60, a climate control system 70,and a seating control system 80. Naturally, a vehicle control system 10according to the invention does not need to comprise all thesesubsystems, and other subsystems may be included, as will be clearbelow. Each of said subsystems 30-80 may, as been discussed above, beset into a number of operating modes, which in this specific inventionare adapted for optimum performance in the different preset operatingmodes of the vehicle.

The central control unit 20 basically is a computer comprising aprocessor for execution of the different operating mode selections andmemory means for storing operating mode related settings. In a preferredembodiment the central control unit 20 also is a central component in avehicle infotainment system, by which the driver/passengers of thevehicle can access entertainment in the form of music, video, games andthe like, as well as information in the form of e-mail, internet, mobilephone and the like. In such infotainment systems, one or more displaysand input devices are connected to the central control unit 20.Furthermore, the driver interface of the vehicle control system 10 ispreferably integrated as a part of the vehicle infotainment system,which will be discussed in detail below. All subsystems 30-80 areconnected to the central control unit 20, such that the central controlunit 20 can set the required parameters of the individual subsystems30-80 to the values that corresponds to the selected operating mode. Inan alternative embodiment, one or more subsystem control systems areintegrated with the central control unit 20, whereby the central controlunit directly controls the properties of the subsystem.

The chassis control system 30 is arranged to control adjustable chassisparameters of the vehicle in accordance with the selected operating modeor personal selections if available. Controllable chassis parameterscomprise suspension parameters like damping and stiffness, vehicleground clearance, horizontal leveling, wheel track and the like. Bycontrolling these parameters the chassis may be adopted for optimumperformance in different driving situations, or operating modes, as willbe discussed below.

The engine control system 40 is arranged to control the performance ofthe engine in the vehicle with respect to parameters such as power,torque, fuel consumption, emission level, duration and the like.

The power train control system 50 is arranged to control adjustablepower train parameters of the vehicle in accordance with the selectedoperating mode or personal selections if available. Controllable powertrain parameters comprise gearbox operation parameters, two/four-wheeldrive selections, anti-spin settings and the like.

The steering control system 60 is arranged to control adjustablesteering parameters of the vehicle in accordance with the selectedoperating mode or personal selections if available. Controllablesteering parameters comprise degree of power assistance, steering wheelgear ratio and the like.

The climate control system 70 is arranged to control the climate in thevehicle.

The seating control system 80 is arranged to control adjustable seatingparameters of the vehicle in accordance with the selected operating modeor personal selections if available. Controllable seating parameterscomprise personalized comfort parameters for adjustment of individualseats, parameters for automatic adjustment of the cargo space by movingor folding seats, and parameters defining mode related transformation ofseats into comfort mode, bucket mode or the like.

The vehicle control system 10 further comprises a driver interface 90,which preferably comprises an input arrangement 92 and an outputarrangement 94. The input arrangement 92 is e.g. formed by one or morepush buttons, a joystick type controller, speech recognition, or anycombination thereof The output arrangement 94 is e.g. formed of agraphical display, indicator lamps or diodes, sound/voice messages, orany combination thereof. A preferred embodiment of the driver interfaceis described in detail below.

Furthermore the vehicle control system 10 comprises a number of sensors100-130 for registering current operating conditions. In this firstembodiment the sensors 100-130 are represented by a number of loadsensors 100, a towing sensor 110, a speed sensor 120, and a tiltingsensor 130. Hence, the current operating conditions registered compriseload, towing, speed and tilting of the vehicle. Preferably, there is oneload sensor 100 associated with the wheel suspension of each wheel, foraccurate monitoring of the load in the vehicle. The load sensors 100register the load both when the vehicle is standing still and when it isin motion. The towing sensor 110 is a sensor that is arranged torecognize if the vehicle is used for towing a trailer or the like, andit may give a response signal to the central control unit 20, e.g. inresponse to the force applied to a towing hook, if a detachable towinghook is arranged in position, if a trailer is electrically connected tothe vehicle or the like. The speed sensor 120 gives a signalcorresponding to the actual speed of the vehicle. The tilting sensor 130registers tilting of the vehicle.

Additionally, the vehicle control system 10 may comprise a number ofcontrollable accessory systems 140-180, herein represented by anelectrically foldable towing hook 140, an electrically foldable roofrack 150, electrically extendable external rear view mirrors 160,electrically adjustable spoilers and body skirts 170, and electricallyfoldable chassis protection rails or bumpers 180. The electricallyfoldable towing hook 140 has two modes of operation: a towing mode, anda hidden mode. In the towing mode the hook may be used for towing atrailer or the like, whereas it is prevented from use in the hiddenmode. In a similar fashion the electrically foldable roof rack 150 has aloading mode and a hidden mode. The electrically foldable roof rack 150can further be equipped with automatic load fastening means, whichpreferably can be adjusted according to a number of memorized positions.Furthermore, the electrically foldable roof rack 150 may be used ascarrier for supplementary driving lamps. The electrically extendableexternal rear view mirrors 160 can be extended to achieve acceptablerear view when towing of a wide trailer, such as a caravan or the like.The electrically adjustable spoilers and body skirts 170 are used tochange the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle depending onoperating mode and speed. The electrically foldable chassis protectionrails or bumpers 180 are situated underneath the vehicle and have twomodes of operation: a hidden mode and a protection mode. In theprotection mode the chassis protection rails protects the chassis fromdamage during off-road conditions.

As mentioned above the vehicle control system 10 is intended for use inat least two preset operating modes. Examples of such modes are,Leisure, Economy, Sport, Off-road, Heavy load, Zero emission, andParking. The basic features for each such mode are:

Leisure

May also be referred to as normal driving mode, and is characterized bya high comfort level in all senses, such as comfortable suspension andsmooth automatic transmission.

Economy

All adjustable parameters are optimized to achieve the lowest possiblefuel consumption. The vehicle control system 10 may instruct (guide) thedriver how to drive to achieve reduced fuel consumption.

Sport

The characteristics of the chassis settings are changed to improve theroad handling characteristics, e.g. setting the suspension in a stiffstate, activating active anti-roll stabilization, and the like. Thetransmission and engine-settings are changed to achieve increased powerand rapid acceleration. The aerodynamic characteristics are improved bychanging the settings of the electrically adjustable spoilers and bodyskirts 170, and/or by tilting the body of the vehicle. (FIG. 2 a)

Off-road

The chassis is raised to increase the ground clearance of the vehicle,and four-wheel drive is activated. The transmission and engine-settingsare changed to achieve increased torque and low speed capabilities. Theelectrically controllable chassis protection rails or bumpers 170 areset in the protection mode. (FIG. 2 b)

Heavy Load

The suspension is adjusted according to the load, the transmission andengine-settings are changed to achieve increased torque, and four-wheeldrive is activated. (FIG. 2 c)

Zero-emission

Measures are taken such that the vehicle does not emit any exhaust fumes

Parking

Depending on the type of vehicle the chassis is raised or lowered tofacilitate getting in and getting out of the vehicle.

It should be understood that the features of the different modes mightbe altered and adapted to the vehicle in which the vehicle controlsystem 10 is arranged. Furthermore, all proposed modes are notnecessarily available in vehicles equipped with the vehicle controlsystem 10 according to the invention, i.e. the number of modes that areavailable in a vehicle is adapted to the vehicle type. In addition tothe functional mode features proposed above, additionally features maybe altered between the mode transformations, such as the appearance, andthe sound impression of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central controlunit 20 is arranged to limit possible mode selections in accordance witha number of preset operation rules to assure maximum performance andsafe operation of the vehicle in the different modes. Examples of suchrules are:

-   -   a. Sport mode is not selectable when the load registered by the        load sensors 100 exceeds a preset load limit.    -   b. Sport mode is not selectable when the towing sensor 110        indicates that there is a trailer or the like hooked onto the        towing hook. When the vehicle is equipped with an electrically        foldable towing hook 130, sport mode is not selectable when the        hook is in towing position. Similarly the electrically foldable        towing hook 130 cannot be set in towing position, when sport        mode is selected.    -   c. The electrically foldable roof rack 150 is not selectable in        sport mode.    -   d. Heavy load mode is automatically selected when the load        registered by the load sensors 100 exceeds a preset load limit.    -   e. Heavy load mode is automatically selected when the towing        sensor 110 indicates that there is a trailer or the like hooked        onto the towing hook. When the vehicle is equipped with an        electrically foldable towing hook 140, heavy load mode is        automatically selected when the hook is set in towing position.    -   f. In off-road mode, the vehicle is limited to use below a        predefined speed limit, and if the speed registered by the speed        sensor 120 reaches the speed limit, then the vehicle control        system 10 prevents further acceleration.    -   g. Off-road mode is locked when the tilting angle registered by        the tilting sensor 130 exceeds a predetermined value that        indicates that the vehicle is in an advanced off-road situation.    -   h. Sport mode is not directly selectable from off-road mode,        i.e. the vehicle has to be set in another non off-road mode        before sport mode is selected.

One major advantage with limited operating modes is that the vehiclecharacteristics for such modes can be set to more extreme levels withoutthe risk of damage to the vehicle, due to non-suitable use of thevehicle. Another advantage is that non-safe use of the vehicle due toover-load or high speed in non-suitable modes is prevented, withoutlimiting use of the vehicle for carrying heavy loads or for high speeddriving under suitable conditions in appropriate modes.

Rules a and b, both limits non-suitable use of the vehicle in the sportmode, with regard to the total load of the vehicle. By setting the overall load limit for the sport mode to a level that e.g. corresponds to aload of two persons for a conventional middle class automobile, thesubsystems settings can be set to a level that corresponds to theperformance of a two seated sport car. If such extreme settings wereavailable under any conditions, there is an obvious risk that thevehicle could be damaged, especially the engine and the power train.This may be compared with conventional middle class automobilesavailable as extreme sport versions, which must be kept at a “safelevel” to prevent damage on the vehicle, whereby top performance isexcluded at the same time as use for carrying heavy loads and/or towingtrailers or the like is permanently prevented by model regulations orthe like.

Rule c is mainly intended for limiting the possibility of loadingobjects on the roof of the vehicle. This is highly undesirable, as thehigh forces that they may be subjected to in the sport mode may causethe objects to break loose. A roof rack further has a negative effect onthe aerodynamics of the vehicle, especially if it is used for carrying aload.

Rules d and e promotes optimum performance when the vehicle is used forcarrying heavy loads and/or is used for towing. By automaticallyselecting the high load mode under conditions of heavy load, excessivewear and risk for damage of the engine and power train is prevented, atthe same time as the best possible driver comfort is achieved in termsof high low speed power, road stability and the like. As indicated inrule e, the electrically foldable towing hook 130 preferably isexclusively associated with this mode, whereby use of the vehicle fortowing in other modes is effectively prevented.

As the off-road mode is intended for use under low speed conditionswhere increased accessibility is needed, and therefore has reducedhigh-speed characteristics, rule f prevents use of off-road mode atspeeds exceeding a predetermined speed limit. Rule g prevents accidentalswitching from off-road mode to a non-off-road mode in situations whereoff-road mode is required to maintain accessibility. If sport mode couldbe selected directly from off-road mode there is a risk that the sportmode is selected when the road conditions are too rough resulting indamage on the chassis and/or spoilers. Therefore, rule h prevents suchdirect switching and an intermediate mode, with respect to groundclearance, has to be selected before sport mode is accessible. If theroad conditions then are too rough, the intermediate mode gives thedriver a second chance to recognize this and to return to off-road mode,if necessary.

In another embodiment of the invention, the different modes may compriseone or more parameter-adapted modes associated with the operation rules,by which the selected mode is adapted to different parameters such asload, speed and the like. As an example, rule a may include automaticselection among two or more load-adapted sport modes, each associatedwith a preset load-range, such that the characteristics of the sportmode automatically is adapted to the actual load in the vehicle.

In alternative embodiments other subsystems, sensors, accessory systemsmay be comprised in the vehicle control system 10 of the invention. In abasic embodiment of the vehicle control system 10, it is capable ofcontrolling a number of controllable motor vehicle subsystems 30-80according to at least two preset vehicle operating modes, it comprisesat least one sensor 100-130 for registering current operatingconditions, and the central control unit 20 is arranged to limit accessto at least one of the preset operating modes in response to an outputvalue from at least one such sensor 100-130.

Driver Interface:

To further prevent use of the vehicle in a non-suitable operating mode,to simplify usage of the vehicle in the active operating mode, and tokeep a high level of security, it is of great importance that the driverof the vehicle is informed and made aware of the active mode in anintuitive and clear manner. To meet these requirements, the outputarrangement 94 of the driver interface 90 preferably is fully integratedwith the dashboard of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the dashboard is formed by agraphical-display, such as a LCD, EL, CRT or Plasma-display, on whichthe normal meters and gauges, such as speedometer, revolution counter,and fuel gauge, are shown as graphical elements in mode-adapteddashboard-images that are easy to distinguish from each other. FIGS. 3 bto 3 e shows schematic examples of four mode-adapted dashboard-images300, whereas the image shown in FIG. 3 a is a schematic view used forillustrative purposes, 3 b is adapted for Leisure mode, FIG. 3 c forSport-mode, FIG. 3 d for Off-road mode, and FIG. 3 e for Parking mode.

To facilitate dashboard intelligibility when switching modes, a unitarystructure is preserved throughout the different mode adapteddashboard-images 300, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 a to 3 e. As is shown inFIG. 3 a, the dashboard-image 300 is similar in design to a conventionaldashboard, and it is basically comprised of a centrally arranged mainsection 310 for displaying vital driving related information, and twosubmenu/information areas 320 a, 320 b adjacent to the main section 310.More specifically the main section 310 comprises a large substantiallycircular analogue meter 312 for displaying the speed (or rpm in sportmode), a gear field 314 for displaying selected gear, and a misc. infofield 316 for displaying other information and important alerts. Themain section 310 further comprises six selection fields 340 a-f disposedalong the perimeter, three shortcut fields 350 a-c at the lower section,and a text field 360 for displaying the active mode in text format. Theselection fields 340 form a part of a menu system used for controllingthe features of the vehicle control system 10, and the location relativethe center of the main section 310 indicates how the selection field 340is selected with the input arrangement 92 of the driver interface 90.The mode-adapted dashboard images are further adapted to simplify usageof the vehicle in the active operating mode in that they showmode-specific meters and available choices.

FIG. 3 b shows an example of a leisure mode dashboard-image 300. Hereinthe analogue meter 312 is used for displaying the speed, the gear field314 displays the selected gear by highlighting the appropriate symbol,and the misc. info field 316 is used for displaying the time, themileage and, when necessary, important alerts. The four selection fields340 a-d are used to access the submenus of the audio entertainment,mobile phone, climate control, and navigation systems, respectively. Inthe top menu state, the function associated with the shortcut fields 350a-c is direct selection of the alternative operating modes, sport,off-road, and heavy load, respectively, but when any of the selectionfields 340 a-d is selected their functions alter, which will bedescribed in detail below. Furthermore, in the top menu state, thesubmenu/information areas 320 a, 320 b are only used for displayingoutdoor temperature and fuel level, respectively, but the large unusedareas are used for displaying submenus when any of the selection fields340 a-d is selected.

FIG. 3 c shows an example of a sport mode dashboard-image 300. Unlike inleisure mode, the analogue meter 312 is used for displaying the rpm, thegear field 314 displays the manually selected gear as a figure, and themisc. info field 316 is used for displaying the speed in figures and,when necessary, important alerts. Furthermore, the selection fields 340e and f display how manual gear shifting is performed, and in this modethey refers to gear-shifting buttons on the steering wheel. The functionassociated with the shortcut fields 350 a-c is direct selection of thealternative operating modes, leisure, off-road, and heavy load,respectively.

FIG. 3 d shows an example of an off-road mode dashboard-image 300. Likein leisure mode, the analogue meter 312 is used for displaying thespeed, but with a reduced speed interval as the mode is restricted foruse under a predefined speed limit. The gear field 314 displays theselected gear by highlighting the appropriate symbol, and the misc. infofield 316 is used for displaying a compass and, when necessary,important alerts. As above, the function associated with the shortcutfields 350 a and c is direct selection of the alternative operatingmodes, leisure, and heavy load, respectively, but the shortcut field 350b is not used, as operation rule h does not permit direct selection ofsport mode from off-road mode. Furthermore, the areas normally occupiedby the selection fields 340 e and f are used for displaying tiltingmeters.

FIG. 3 e shows an example of a parking mode dashboard-image 300. Toutilize a larger section of the dashboard-display for infotainmentpurposes or the like, the main section 310, now in the form of aninfotainment window 315, is expanded at the sacrifice of thesubmenu/information areas 320 a, 320 b, and the submenus are nowdisplayed direct in the infotainment window 315. As will be discussedbelow, a large number of infotainment features are available to thedriver in parking mode and selection fields 340 e and f plus additionalselection field 340 g are used to provide access to these features.Additional selection field 340 is used to access different non-modespecific features and accessories, such as the electrically foldabletowing hook and the like.

In alternative embodiments of the driving mode dashboard-images 300, itis possible to access to the non-mode specific features and accessories,but the features or accessories that may be selected in the differentmodes are restricted by the operating rules a-f.

To further distinguish the different mode adapted dashboard-images 300,they are preferably designed using different color-schemes andbackground patterns. In one embodiment the leisure mode dashboard-image300 has a black background and yellowish-red instruments like aconventional dashboard, the sport mode dashboard-image 300 has a bluebackground, and the off-road mode dashboard-image 300 has a greenbackground, e.g.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the menu options for the selection fields 340a-f and the shortcut fields 350 a-c in top menu state of the sport mode.The four selection fields 340 a-d are used to access the submenus of theaudio entertainment, mobile phone, climate control, and navigationsystems, respectively. If one of the selection fields 340 a-d isselected, the associated submenu appears in the information field, andfurther selections can be made in the submenu.

As mentioned above, the input arrangement 92 can be of several differenttypes. In one preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the inputarrangement 92 is suitable to arrange in the center console andcomprises an actuator of joystick type 400, a rotary selector 410 and apush button 420 both arranged on the actuator 400, and three shortcutkeys 430 arranged in front of the actuator 400. To facilitate selectionof selection fields under rough driving conditions, the actuator 400 ispreferably guided to a number of perimeter positions corresponding tothe selection fields of the main section. The input arrangement 92 mayfurther comprise a number of steering wheel shortcut keys arranged onthe steering wheel for direct access to important features.

FIG. 6 shows how a selection field is selected using the actuator 400,whereby a submenu appears in the information field 320 b. The selectionin the submenu is performed by the rotary selector 410 and the pushbutton 420.

In one special embodiment, force-feedback controlled menu selection isutilized, whereby the actuator 400, by force-feedback, is prevented frommovements in directions that not corresponds to an available selectionfield 340 a-f In this way, the number of selection fields 340 a-f mayvary between different operating modes and menu levels, and guidedselection can be obtained for any number of selection fields 340 a-falong the perimeter of the main section 310.

Virtual Codriver:

To further increase safe use of the vehicle, the control-unit 20 isprogrammed to limit the information that the driver may access dependingon the driving situation. To achieve this, a number of access-limitingrules have been formulated, according to which the control-unit decideswhat information and features that are to be accessible in a specificsituation. Examples of such access-limiting rules are shown in table 1.TABLE 1 Basic driving Menu Mobile functions system phone E-mailInfotainment Parking mode Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 1-60 km/h Yes No Yes No NoUrban area 61-120 km/h Yes Yes Yes No No small road 61-120 km/h Yes YesYes Yes No freeway 121 - Yes No No No No

In the table the different safety levels mainly depend on the speed andtype of driving, but other important factors that may be introduced inthe rules are weather conditions, visibility, restricted areas (close toschools etc, road sections with frequent accidents), traffic situationreports and the like.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detailand by reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparentthat modifications and variations are possible without departing fromthe scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

1. Vehicle control system (10), capable of controlling a number ofcontrollable motor vehicle subsystems (30-80) according to at least twopreset vehicle operating modes, the control system comprises a centralcontrol unit (20) for controlling the motor vehicle subsystems (30-80),and a driver interface (90) with an input arrangement (92) and an outputarrangement (94) for selecting operating mode, characterized in that itcomprises at least one sensor (100-130) for registering currentoperating conditions, and that the central control unit (20) is arrangedto limit access to at least one of the preset operating modes inresponse to an output value from at least one sensor (100-130). 2.Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatit comprises at least one load sensor (100) for registering the load inthe vehicle.
 3. Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 1,characterized in that it comprises at least one towing sensor (110)arranged to recognize if the vehicle is used for towing a trailer. 4.Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatit comprises at least one speed sensor (120) arranged to give a signalcorresponding to the speed of the vehicle.
 5. Vehicle control system(10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at leastone tilting sensor (120) arranged to register tilting of the vehicle. 6.Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatit comprises at least one controllable accessory system (140-180) andthat the central control unit (20) is arranged to limit access to atleast one of the preset operating modes in response to a mode ofoperation of at least one accessory system (140-180).
 7. Vehicle controlsystem (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises acontrollable accessory system in the form of a foldable towing hook(140).
 8. Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 6,characterized in that the controllable accessory system is in the formof a foldable roof rack (150).
 9. Vehicle control system (10) accordingto claim 1, wherein one of the preset vehicle operating modes is a sportmode, characterized in that the sport mode is not selectable when theload registered by the load sensors (100) exceeds a preset load limit,nor when the towing sensor 110 indicates that there is a trailer hookedonto the towing hook.
 10. Vehicle control system (10) according to claim1, wherein one of the preset vehicle operating modes is a heavy-loadmode, characterized in that the heavy-load mode is automaticallyselected when the load registered by the load sensors 100 exceeds apreset load limit, and when the towing sensor 110 indicates that thereis a trailer hooked onto the towing hook.
 11. Vehicle control system(10) according to claim 1, wherein one of the preset vehicle operatingmodes is an off-road mode, characterized in that the vehicle controlsystem 10, in off-road mode, prevents further acceleration when thespeed registered by the speed sensor 120 reaches a predefined speedlimit, and that off-road mode is locked when the tilting angleregistered by the tilting sensor 130 exceeds a predetermined value. 12.Vehicle control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe output arrangement (94) is integrated with a dashboard of displaytype, and in that the dashboard-image is mode-adapted for each presetoperating mode.
 13. Automobile, characterized in that it comprises avehicle control system (10) according to claim
 1. 14. Driver interface(90) for controlling a vehicle control system (10), capable ofcontrolling a number of controllable motor vehicle subsystems accordingto at least two preset vehicle operating modes, characterized in that itcomprises a dashboard of display type arranged to display adashboard-image, and in that the dashboard-image is mode-adapted foreach preset operating mode.
 15. Driver interface (90) according to claim14, characterized in that each mode-adapted dashboard-image comprisescentrally arranged main section (310) for displaying vital drivingrelated information, and two submenu/information areas (320 a, 320 b)adjacent to the main section (310).
 16. Driver interface (90) accordingto claim 15, characterized in that the main section (310) comprises asubstantially circular analogue meter (312) for displaying the speed orRPM, a gear field (314) for displaying selected gear, a misc. info field(316) for displaying other information and important alerts, a number ofselection fields (340 a-h) disposed along the perimeter of the mainsection (310), and three shortcut fields (350 a-c) at the lower section.17. Driver interface (90) according to claim 16, characterized in thatthe selection fields (340 a-h) form a part of a menu system used forcontrolling the features of the vehicle control system (10), and thelocation relative the center of the main section (310) indicates howeach selection field (340 a-h) is selected with an input arrangement(92) of the driver interface
 90. 18. Driver interface (90) according toclaim 17, characterized in that the input arrangement (92) comprises anactuator of joystick type (400), a rotary selector (410) and a pushbutton (420) both arranged on the actuator (400), and three shortcutkeys (430) arranged in front of the actuator (400).
 19. Driver interface(90) according to claim 18, characterized in that the actuator ofjoystick type (400) is guided to a number of perimeter positionscorresponding to the selection fields of the main section.
 20. Driverinterface (90) according to claim 19, characterized in that the actuatorof joystick type (400) is guided by a force-feedback arrangement. 21.Method of operating a vehicle control system (10), capable ofcontrolling a number of controllable motor vehicle subsystems accordingto at least two preset vehicle operating modes, the control system (10)comprises a central control unit (20) for controlling the motor vehiclesubsystems, and a driver interface (90) for selecting operating mode,characterized by the step of, limiting possible mode selections inaccordance with a number of preset operation rules.
 22. Method accordingto claim 21, characterized by the step of registering current operatingcondition using at least one sensor (100-130), and in that at least oneoperation rule limit access to at least one of the preset operatingmodes in response to an output value from at least one sensor (100-130).